Arts Student of the Week Kennah Brackett

Arts Student of the Week Kennah Brackett first became passionate about music in middle school when she started taking music courses and composing. "Music gives me a warm, comforting feeling that nothing else can," Brackett said. "I also really appreciate the time and effort that someone has to put in to become good. I think it is really fun to work hard towards something so rewarding."

"I have been singing for as long as I can remember," Brackett said, "mainly singing along to Disney songs in the car. I started playing clarinet in 4th grade, and the same teacher taught my middle school choir, so I joined in sixth grade. I fell in love and started to put a lot of effort into practicing and learning more about singing. During Covid, I became more interested in musical theater, and started singing and performing songs from shows I enjoyed."

Musical influences, Brackett said, include Julie Giroux for band music, and Eric Whitacre and Andy Beck for choir music. She also loves Lin-Manuel Miranda, Stephen Sondheim and Alan Menken, and her favorite classical composer is Tchaikovsky. In terms of composing, choral composers have influenced Brackett most. She loves writing music for choirs.

Laura Walters, Choral Music Director at Niwot High School, selected Brackett for Arts Student of the Week in part because of her dedication to composition, but also because Brackett is such a seasoned musician. "She is an incredible musician," Walters said. "She has a gorgeous voice, and can read music incredibly well. She had the top score in the district for her audition for the Honor Choir this year."

Brackett is a sophomore in the top auditioned choir at Niwot High School, and she is active in Evenstar, Symphonic Band, Honor Choir, and Honor Band. In addition, she has performed in "Rent" at Centerstage and in Niwot High School's "Mamma Mia!." Recently she appeared as Chip in the NHS performance of" Beauty and the Beast." "I love the memorable moments I have with my friends backstage at each show, I think that is what really makes theatre so fun."

"I really enjoy playing Chip because I think that they are such a fun role to play-I get to delve into being a kid again which is so fun. I always feel happier after doing a run. The cast is also so nice, everyone is super supportive and very talented. I also love the music in 'Beauty and the Beast,' all of the songs are so fun to be in. As Chip, I get rolled around in a box for a majority of the show, which is definitely a unique challenge. It has been interesting seeing how my acting and singing has been impacted."

Last year, as a freshman, Brackett composed a piece for one of the school's choirs. "Her song was premiered at one of our concerts," Walters said. "She has arranged some music for Evenstar's Cupidgram performances that will take place on Valentine's Day."

Brackett also enjoys reading, especially biographies and classic literature, and she takes part in a few clubs at school, including the Environmental Club and Key Club (a club that focuses on helping the community). In addition, she performs in a music group. "I love the communities that are formed," Brackett said about the groups in which she participates.

As a student at NHS, Brackett admits that her experience has been amazing. "I really love how many opportunities I have to try new musical experiences! There are many extracurricular music activities that Niwot offers along with actual classes, and it is so fun to play clarinet and sing in different genres and groups. I love participating in honor ensembles like honor band and choir. The teachers are amazing as well. I especially like our musical theatre program."

Brackett hopes to study music in college, and then she would like to become a music teacher. "I would love to continue performing and composing as well. I think I'm going to see where life takes me and what opportunities I will have."

"I can't wait to see where music takes her," Walters said.